It all started on December 14, 2006 on a little site called Eharmony. A lonely college student who had just reached the minimum age requirements and was done with her finals and an EMT who had quit Eharmony for awhile because he had been working two jobs, but decided to come back because he had quit one of them, were each others' first matches. And after less than 24 hours of talking, the only matches that mattered. After a day or two, we started talking on the phone . We really wanted to meet in person, but his work schedule and various Christmas-y events got in the way until December 30, 2006, when we met at Applebees.

I had only told him once of my passion for Applebees, but he remembered it and I was quite touched when he offered to take me there on our first date. After a nice dinner, we headed over to the movie theater to see Night at the Museum. I remember enjoying the movie very much, but what stands out the most in my memory is how much of a dork I was, lol. My mom and grandmother had warned me about crossing my arms when I sit down, afraid I'd give him the wrong message because of it. So throughout the whole movie, I made sure my hand was "available" - not crossed or curled up, just laying there on my leg or the arm of the chair. It was uncomfortable and awkward, but I hoped it seemed natural enough of a position. After the movie went on and on for a while, I had given up hope, but kept my hand there just in case . . .  Then about halfway through the movie, when I was totally caught up in the action, he slipped his hand into mine, and I about jumped out of my skin. It's really a wonder that I didn't scream out, I was so frightened. I could *hear* my heart pounding, but he was just smiling at me and didn't even seem to notice.

MUCH later (like, after we got married, probably), I admitted this to him and told him how upset I had been that he didn't want to hold my hand and how shocked I was that he didn't notice how much he startled me when he finally did. He laughed and said "I noticed you were sitting funny and were holding your hand right there like that, so I watched you to see if that's what you were really doing. I was really amused that were sitting like that and just watched you forever! And it was also funny when you jumped. ;)" So he knew all along. I guess it's better he knew what he was getting into, lol.

The evening ended with a sweet hug goodbye and over the course of the next 6 months, we grew closer and spent more and more time together. On June 19, 2007 at Epcot, everything changed . . .



And lots of prewedding craziness ensued, all preparing for the big day on August 9, 2008.

( Hilarious, illustrated reflection on dress shoppingCollapse )
It was tough, but in the end we survived. Tomorrow, August 9 will be one year from the wedding. Wedding recap and photos to come tomorrow.

There's one rule about having someone in your family in the medical field - disasters never fail to strike on their shift. My sister falling on the playground at school and needing a million stitches around her eye? My mom and grandmother were working that day. My grandfather's heart attack? My mom was at work. My speeding ticket (oops . . .)? The time I got trapped in my subdivision due to a tree falling across the road? Jeremy was at work those days. I'm sure there's a million more, but these are the first examples that come to mind.

And don't even mention snow. Growing up, I always knew whether or not it was going to snow when the weathermen freaked out just by finding out if my mom was working that day. I honestly can't remember a time they said it would snow when my mom was off and it actually did. I also can't remember a time they said it would snow when my mom had to work and then it didn't snow. The last snow we got in Georgia (which was the most snow we've seen since the huge blizzard in the early 90s)?



Yep, my husband's driving that ambulance.

On Sunday, we added another disaster to these legacies as I drove myself to church while my husband was at work.

When I was about halfway to church, I noticed my car make a funny noise when I pushed the brake to stop at one of the four way stops. It kind of sounded like the noise the car makes when you drive over those little ridges that alert you that a stop is coming up. I thought it was odd and it concerned me some, but since the car was driving fine I dismissed it as being "odd" and made a mental note to tell Jeremy about it later. All was fine until I was about three fourths of the way to church when it started making the noise when I braked and when I accelerated. However, when I got it above 50 mph all seemed fine. I was more concerned now, but knew if I could just get to the church, my dad could look at it and my family would drive me back to my house if necessary.

One thing I hate about having cars make noises is that the male (namely my dad or Jeremy) trying to fix my car always asks me to describe the sound it makes. I *hate* doing this. No matter how much I squeak trying to imitate it or draw complex analogies to compare the sound to, they're never satisfied (and usually give me a look typically resolved for space aliens). Cars I drive are also notorious for acting all sorts of weird and making all kinds of racket when I drive it, only to behave like an angel when someone else drives it, which means they try to assure me that they "looked at it" and "didn't see anything", but leaves me terrified to drive it because hey! It was *broken* and they didn't do *anything* to fix it, therefore it is still *broken*! So I had the brilliant idea - I'll call my husband and let him hear the sound for *himself*, therefore alleviating the need for me to describe it to him and also giving solid proof that the car is broken.

Got Jeremy on the phone and let him hear the noise. It was getting really bad, but I was on the road the church is off of and thought I could make it there. Jeremy reminded me that he couldn't leave work to come help me and I assured him it was fine, since I was just minutes away from the church and if I didn't make it, my parents would be there faster than he could even call someone to come in for him. I was soooooo close, within just a few miles, and suddenly it got drastically worse. I could no longer keep the car going the speed limit. Knowing I could go no further, I pulled over right before a bridge, where the road widened on the edge of the road the width of a lane.

When I got out of my car, this is what I saw:





Yes, the rim is sitting on the ground. And yes, the tire has completely detached from the rim.

I told Jeremy about the tire and called my family. I figured it'd take a few calls to get someone to notice, since church had already started, but I knew once I got their attention, they'd be there in just a minute. Except when I called them, they weren't at church. They had gone out of town to camp in the mountains and were still 30 minutes away. I had totally forgotten all about that. I asked them about my grandparents - they should be at church, right? Nope, they were 30 minutes behind my parents coming home too. I hated being alone, but at least I wasn't in a bad area and got to talk to someone on the phone while I waited for my family to come help me. My dad got there and changed the tire pretty quickly while I hugged on Natalie. I was so happy that all was better.

Until the check engine light came on in my car as I drove it to get new tires . . . *headdesk*

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My hair.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
I don't think I have ever owned a real hoodie. However, my favorite jacket that happens to have a hood on it is green.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Jeremy? Nah, probably not . . . ;)

4. Do you plan outfits?
Do I ever not plan *anything*? This one would have to be a "yes" . . .

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Anything but sleepy! (Despite the fact that it's 4 am.)

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
The Netflix envelope we need to mail off in the morning that has 2 dvds in it because we lost one of the envelopes to mail back. In case you're curious, one is Marley and Me, which doesn't make a bit of sense and was so bad we turned it off halfway through the movie (which is something I NEVER do - curiosity always gets the best of me and I watch until the end just to find out what happens and make sure it doesn't suddenly get good), and the other is Kronk's New Groove, which unfortunately isn't anywhere near as good as the original movie or the tv series. I blame it on the lack of Kuzco.

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
Oh gosh, it was so funny and I told Jeremy about it this morning, but I can't remember it now!

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Um, do waitresses count? I don't really think so, it's not like I remember their names or had a real conversation with them.

9. What are you craving right now?
Something sweet, but nothing we have sounds good at the moment. A Dole whip would be great.

10. Do you floss?
Randomly. Sometimes I just get the urge to.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
An image of steamed cabbage with some butter on it.

12. Are you emotional?
Me? NEVER! Pretty much constantly, lol.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I did it several times as a math nerd child, lol.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Ummm, I guess I never thought about it, which is odd because ice cream is like one of my favorite foods ever. I suppose the question is more referring to an ice cream bar, which I practically never eat, but when I do, I bite of a portion and kind of suck on it then? When I eat regular ice cream, I just spoon some in and kind of suck on. That's why I microwave my ice cream.

15. Do you like your hair?
Gosh, no. I mean, I like the color and wouldn't want to dye it, but having dark hair really sucks for things like eye brows and legs - it makes it really obvious if I haven't fixed up my eyebrows or shaved recently. Plus, my hair is frizzy and completely uncooperative - it really has a mind of its own. And, I'm pretty bored with it at the moment, but haven't been inspired to cut it yet either.

16. Do you like yourself?
Yes, but I'm overly hard and critical of myself.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Sure.

18. What are you listening to right now?
Well, I was watching House, but haven't turned anything else on since it finished so I won't disturb my sleeping husband.

19. Are your parents strict?
It's honestly hard to answer this one - in some ways they were super strict (like with money), but at the same time they were also pretty relaxed and understanding (like not flipping out when I failed a class). But I guess it's pretty irrelevant now that I'm married, lol. (Even though my mom does still have the habit of trying to tell me what to do.)

20. Would you go sky diving?
No, I'd be terrified.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Yes! Gosh, that sounds good right now.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Hmmm, don't think I have.

23. Do you rent movies often?
Traditional renting? Never. Netflix? Constantly.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
My engagement and wedding rings.

25. How many countries have you visited?
5 - The United States, Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico. Unless World Showcase counts. ;)

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Does being silly when you call someone / answer the phone from someone you know count? Other than that, nope.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yep, at WDW.

28. Brown or white eggs?
Well, my family always got the white eggs, but Jeremy prefers the brown ones. Honestly, I haven't noticed a difference and just go with the flow, lol.

29.Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes, who doesn't now? Lol.

30. Do you use chap stick?
Not regularly, but I do keep some in my purse.

31. Do you own a gun?
Jeremy has some guns, so I guess yes, lol.

32. Can you use chop sticks?
I'd say I'm ok with picking something big like a piece of chicken up (though I'm also pretty likely to fling it across the room or on my lap too, lol), but for rice? No way.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Well Laura's on the other end of the messenger and Jeremy's asleep in our bed.

34. Are you too forgiving?
Yes, I'm very self sacrificing.

35. Ever been in love?
More times than I can count! Don't tell my husband!!!

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
I don't know, what will you be doing? Lol. I assume since it's Saturday, just lazing about, watching tv and such.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes, but they wouldn't be my top dessert pick either. (Ice cream and cheesecake, mmmm!)

38. Last time you cried?
Last night.

39. What was the last question you asked?
"Has lj gotten lame since I left or something? . . ." Double the snark, double the pleasure. ;)

40. Favorite time of the year?
Anytime it's warm, but not too hot and my allergies aren't acting up.

41. Do you have any tattoos?
Nope.

42. Are you sarcastic?
Naaaaaah, never!

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Never even heard of it.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
There was the time that I ran smack into an automatic door at the grocery store . . . Yeah, I got some looks for that one . . .

45. Favorite color?
Green rules!

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Anytime Jeremy makes a cheeky comment, lol.

47. Is your hair curly?
Anytime I go swimming, lol.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Ummm, gosh it's been a long time . . . The last dvd I bought was a hula dancing workout video . . . Oh yes! I remember now! The last cd I bought was The Emperor's New Groove Soundtrack. What's his name?!? Kuzcoooooooooooooo!!!!

49. Do looks matter?
I think it's always a factor, it just varies how important it is based on the person / circumstances.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
I lean to no.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
No. Though there was one month I had an "oops" . . .

52. Do you like your life right now?
Yes and no. Married and graduated? Great. No job or life plans? Not so great.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No, we don't even have a tv in our bedroom.

54. Can you handle the truth?
It can be hard, but I much prefer it.

55. Do you have good vision?
Blind as a bat.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Yes.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
It depends, but not a lot really. I touch base with Jeremy whenever either or us are at work or running errands and such and I talk to my family a couple of times a week.

58. Favorite place to be?
Yay Disney World!

59. What are you wearing?
Tinker Bell pajama pants with one of Jeremy's Jimmy Buffet shirts, since my night shirts are all dirty at the moment. (Mental note: Do laundry tomorrow.)

60. What is your favorite animal?
Penguins!

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
Apparently my lame friend stole this from Facebook. My picture on there is from my wedding, though I'm trying to find a good picture to replace it with.

62. Can you hula hoop?
I have always sucked at that, lol.

63. Do you have a job?
Not yet, still looking. Will the job be at a school or Walmart? To be continued . . .

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
Hula dancing workout dvd

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
No, but I have jumped an 8 foot fence.

Wow, it really has been forever, hasn't it?

Looking back, it's been about two years since I really updated this journal. Part of me can't believe it's been like that, part of me knows just how much my life has changed in that time.

For the most part, I've been consumed by the monster that goes by the name of college. The early childhood education program is INTENSE and anyone who knows me well can attest to that fact. For the first three semesters, I was spending two or three days a week on campus at GSU and then two days a week in an elementary classroom. Projects, projects, projects galore, all completed on no sleep. This past semester was my final semester of college (ohmygosh I finally graduated!!!) and I completed the traditional, 5 days a week in an elementary classroom, student teaching experience. Though the projects were a lot less, adding in the factors of being at a school an hour from my house, in a grade I never have wanted to teach (3rd, uuuuuugh), and having a teacher that constantly criticized me (even in front of my students!) and was never pleased with my work, I had quite the semester. But it's all done now, I earned my A and made the big walk in the funny cap and gown. And "real life" begins, hmm?

I don't have a job for next school year yet. The economy has made schools weary of hiring teachers and schools have increased the number of students that can be in a class from 22 to 30. It's amazing that a "safe" job like teaching has been affected by everything. Schools are starting to calm down, fortunately, and I've heard a lot of speculation that schools are going to start hiring around the middle of May, so hopefully I'll get a job soon. It's been kind of depressing to be sending out a million applications for like three months now and hearing zilch back. I'm certified to teach anything in elementary school and math and science in middle school (yay for overacheiving!), so hopefully I'll find a job 4th grade or up that's closer than my student teaching was. An hour long commute each way SUCKS. Especially when you have no car radio and you have to be at school at 7 am. Still, I'm trying not to stress too much about the job . . .

And as if that wasn't enough excitement, I got married in the middle of all of this. I believe the last times I was faithfully updating my journal, I had just met Jeremy. We started talking on Eharmony on December 14, 2006, met at Applebees about two weeks later on December 30th, got engaged at Epcot on June 17, 2007, and got married August 9, 2008. It's been amazing how quickly everything happened, but at the same time it's hard to imagine my life without him.

There's a lot of stuff to get used to now being married - learning each other's quirks, living away from my family, his crazy work schedules, living so far away from EVERYTHING (Seriously. Walmart is a 30 minute drive. The only fast food restaurant here is Dairy Queen.) But I think I've adjusted really well to all of these things. Now if we could just get our house cleaned up. I never knew how hard it was going to be to get moved into a house and settled in. This is especially hard because we don't have enough bookshelves and such to put our stuff in, so we've got a lot of piles for now. But married life is great - we get to do a lot of things together, go on lots of trips, and have the most adorable kitties (Jack and John - they're so sweet). I think it's going to be even better now that I don't have school to worry about and can shift my focus to things like cleaning and cooking. And job hunting.

Well, that's a basic overview of me right now. I'm going to start back to updating this a lot more regularly. I've already got a few entry topics - pictures galore, Walt Disney World trip summary, how I'm freaking out about the future . . . Maybe I'll even get started on one right away.

New rounds at sheppard_lims and sga_lims - come and join!